Beer: Ratings & Reviews

THIS IS THE BEST IMPERIAL STOUT in the world! of course dark with a nice foam. Very very very drinkable as no other. Here you have the real meaning of the word "balanced". A lot of coffee/espresso but incredibly well played with the malts. Complex beer. full creamy body. A MUST TO TRY & HAVE AT HOME! no words...

Poured into a Gouden Carolus chalice. Picked up two 12 oz bottles from the Bir & Fud bottle shop in Rome in May 2011. Now getting to taste this.

Nose has notes of coffee, burnt wood, dark fruit, dark chocolate.

Body is jet black, opaque. Just a tinge of brown on the top when held up to a bright light. Poured to a half inch head, the head is at first tan and foamy, but then dissipates to a ring. Does not leave any lacing, just motile clouds of foam that slink back into the brew.

Tastes much better than the nose. There is chocolate, coffee, dark fruit--raisins, vanilla, creme brulee. Not a wild RIS, but a very nice tasting and balanced one. There is a little sweetness and lacto at first. Finish is dry, charred, and slightly bitter with lovely dark chocolate bitter notes throughout. Brewer says 12 different malts are used, and the beer is aged 3 years in the bottle before release. That probably accounts for its smoothness and mild oxidization. Gee, what barrel aging could do for this one!

Body is medium and the carbonation is sufficient to give this a slightly creamy mouthfeel, although it is just a bit light in body for the style. There is a bit of a char/hop burn on the tongue, but utterly enjoyable.

Despite being a bit light in body, this beer delivers huge RIS flavors. Probably one of the best RIS at this level of alcohol--7.8%. It is reminding me of FiftyFifty Totality Imperial Stout, although that is about 9.5%. This is a really drinkable beer, very smooth and complex. Very nicely done. If I could get this regularly, it would be a go to RIS.